This policy promotes “soft” mobility within the city.
Paris is not the best place to go fast in France. As of August 30, 2021 the speed limit for the majority of Paris’ areas is 30 km/h or 19 mi/h according to France’s RFI reports.
This ruling is intended to improve safety and to reduce noise pollution and accidents in the city. Anne Hidalgo, Paris mayor, has also pledged to reduce car use in public spaces. Not to be missed, Paris has 60 percent already having this speed limit. Other boulevards, however, have been reduced to single lanes or only for pedestrians.
The publication states that motorists must adhere to this speed limit, or they will face fines and two points on their driver’s license. Peripherique ring road around Paris has a speed limit at 70 km/h (45mph). This exception is to the new speed limit rule. Other major roads, such as the Avenue des Champs Elysees, don’t have to follow the slow speed limit.
Interview with FranceInfo. David Belliard, deputy mayor, stated that the measure was part of a coordinated policy to transform public spaces. This policy promotes “soft” mobility. It refers to public transport, walking and cycling rather than using an automobile.
The Paris speed limit is the same as what’s in place in nearly 200 French towns. The new Paris ruling will also apply to Lyon, France’s third-largest city.
Other European countries, such as Spain and The Netherlands, have also implemented the same policy in numerous European cities. London has, however, imposed a 20 mph limit (32 km/h), which was positively according research.
To avoid any inconveniences or fines, you should research the speed limits for the routes you plan to travel to Europe in the future.